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Monday, March 17, 2014

Yes, it's true. The thing that I said that I wouldn't do, I did. For five years now, I have run away from the inevitable. Fly tying. For those that are new here, the River Damsel has hemmed and hawed for years now about starting up that vise and creating those little bugs that can be bought for $2 a shot. Now, I have come up with all types of good reasons not to do it. First, the cost. After buying the materials, are you really saving money? Second, the time. Isn't it much faster to stop in a shop on the way to the river than to sit down and tie a bundle up? Third, satisfaction of the end result. Wouldn't a store bought fly look better than my poor duplicate of a YouTube video fly? So, there are my excuses of the past. Not even the Midgeman, Cofisher, or the PondStalker could talk me into it... And I usually always listen to them. Go figure... Maybe I was just downright scared.

And then it happened. I met a friend who said that he would teach me to tie a fly and promised that it was simple as simple to do. I still had my reservations, but was willing to sit down and listen. So, we will thank good ol' Joe for creating a fly tying maniac wannabe that can't stop looking up new recipes on the internet. What made the difference? I got past the frightening "whip finish" that gave me all sort of nightmares. He made me do this part over and over and over again... No exaggeration! I can now do it in my sleep effortlessly... Ha! It's easier than putting on the bead anyway... = )

So, I have started slowly, but surely. First, midges. Then scuds and sows. Then it was a beadhead olive hares ear, as I am getting ready for an upcoming trip to Montana. The one thing that Joe has taught me about tying is that you only need to tie up simple patterns. They usually do just fine in catching trout. No need to doll em' up with lots of fancy and expensive materials. No, I'm not going to be clipping off dog hair off of my Shitzu. Haha. I'm just saying that there are cheaper methods to get by in a fix or to make a pattern work just as well if you can't afford what is called for. Of course, there will be times that you might have to have that dreaded costly hackle or feathers... but, as I have shopped around, I have learned how to make things work a little cheaper. And I plan on keeping it that way for now anyway! Just having some fun and getting the basic things that I need ... (Is that what the gal who has 6 different fly rods said in the beginning) Haha.

Every fish pictured in this post was caught on one of MY ties... Now, everyone said that it would feel like the most special thing in the world to catch on your own hand made fly. Ok. So, it was a nice feeling. Still wondering though, why in the heck they liked my novice creation, but I will take the end result! So far, all my midges, sows, and scuds have been proven worthy. Now, for the hares ear... it still has to be further tested. But, have no fear... then end is not near! Haha.

Because my friend Joe believes in me and my tying abilities more than I do. And has the patience of Job... (He must) So, I thank him for being a great teacher and I promise not to be too much of a pain. Because this journey is now going to another level...

Catching and releasing fish from my own handiwork.

Who would have thought that the three reasons why I didn't pursue fly tying don't really matter now... = )

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Four score and five years ago, I started a fly fishing blog. Along the way, I have met great comrads and fly fishing blog buddies. I've read about many trips, seen incredible fish, and looked with bewilderment at many fly creations on your vises. My blog time has been squelched since Jan. 1st. Many things in life slow things down and postpone your good intentions of writing a new post on your fly fishing blog!! As I have struggled to put words and pictures together recently to bring you something worth looking at, it occurred to me that if I didn't hurry my a** up soon, I might even find myself in "Quarantine" over on Troutrageous's site... haha. Now really, that isn't a laughing matter. You know that I couldn't let it get to that... So, here we go. Let's call it Part 1... What in the HECK has RD been up to? (Part 2 will be on Sunday Tippets. I know...two posts in one week. What is the world coming to???)

JANUARY- FEBRUARY 2014

RD now wears trout nails... Just call me "Matchy, Matchy"...

Don't worry, the white tips will be back.

Brian Schiele, my photographer, tenkara, fly fishing buddy, starts the year off on the water with me... and he hasn't stopped catching fish since! 2014 will be your banner year, my friend!

So, there's the fishy side of things this year so far... For those loyal readers out there that I still have (Crossing fingers and toes)... Come back to see what surprises Part 2 brings on Sunday Tippets! Yes, the Sunday Tippet lady is still here too.

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Riffles

Welcome to The River Damsel's blogsite! As an avid Flyfisher, I have come to realize that there is more adventure in the "riffles" of the river as it is in life. If you listen and watch the river, you will understand more about the complexity of what lies beneath. It is truly an ongoing adventure...a beautiful journey and a very gratifying one.

About Me

The River Damsel hails from Tustin, CA. and now resides in Salt Lake City, UT. I can attest that it is totally possible to do anything you want to do! LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST! I decided to make some changes in my life a few years back. It was when I picked up a flyrod, that I knew that I was filling a void in my life! I was "hooked"! The outdoors is where I find my inner peace away from the busy daily life...It gives me that time of solitude, meditation, and enjoyment. I love the continued learning about the river and the many inhabitants that live in it and around it. My journey has taught me about nature, people, and mostly ME! Thanks to those special friends that have shared their knowledge and talents with me so that I could enjoy the adventure even more! XO!